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Inaugural Bahamas Goombay Broward festival to be held in July. Here are details

Kids and family enjoyed the opening performance the Junkanoo Band, during the Frost Science's free Family Fun Festival, celebrated at the Knight Plaza that included  interactive exhibits, live shows and live arts performances by the Junkanoo Band and Miami City ballet, among others, on Saturday, January 31, 2026.
A Junkanoo band will welcome attendees to join the rush at Bahamas Goombay Broward on Saturday, July 18. pportal@miamiherald.com

While many know Goombay as a West Grove event, a new version is scheduled to be held in Broward for the first time in July.

Hosted by Commissioner Avril Cherasard, the Bahamas Goombay Broward festival will take place at City Hall Plaza in Miramar on Saturday, July 18, from 2 to 9 p.m. and feature food, music and a Junkanoo band.

The Goombay festival has a long history in Coconut Grove, where the area of Little Bahamas and Grand Avenue carry the culture of Bahamian immigrants. It took place June 5-7 and has been happening since 1977.

As a Bahamian, Cherasard says Bahamians are everywhere, and Broward is ready to celebrate this summer, too.

“I have a 75-year-old mom who is physically disabled. She would love to attend Miami Goombay. She yearns for a taste of home,” Cherasard told the Miramar News on Monday, June 22.

“It’s for people like her that I’m bringing the Bahamas to Broward ... everywhere Bahamains are we should be able to celebrate Goombay.”

The inaugural Bahamas Goombay Broward festival is scheduled for 2 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, July 18, at City Hall Plaza in Miramar.
The inaugural Bahamas Goombay Broward festival is scheduled for 2 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, July 18, at City Hall Plaza in Miramar.

You can expect live performances, a culture village, a craft market and Bahamian food at the Broward event.

It wouldn’t be Goombay without a Junkanoo band. There will be two rushes, and Cherasard says the best will happen after dark.

Attendees will have the opportunity to join the rush and can pay for a package that includes a spot at the front of the line, a headpiece, a whistle and a towel.

Cherasard also hinted at a special celebrity guest who will be honored at the ceremony. One of the names “most recognized in Bahamian music” will receive an honor, but the guest is not confirmed as of June 22.

More information will come as the event approaches, including the names of four Bahamian artists who will perform.

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This story was originally published June 22, 2026 at 3:28 PM with the headline "Inaugural Bahamas Goombay Broward festival to be held in July. Here are details."

Morgan C. Mullings
Miramar News
Miramar reporter Morgan C. Mullings was raised in Miramar and returned there after reporting in Boston and New York City. A St. John’s University graduate, she began in local politics and went on to edit and fact-check for editorial publications. Her cat, Oscar, is her favorite coworker.